Working towards a waste-free future

With plastic waste continuing to accumulate in landfills and in our oceans, endangering wildlife, tackling plastic pollution has never been so pressing. It is an urgent priority for us and a responsibility we take seriously.

We are accelerating our actions when it comes to tackling the plastic waste problem and are committed to making a significant difference everywhere we operate.

We are making progress but there is much more to come. We want to be a leader in this space.

Our vision and commitment

Our vision is that none of our packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill or as litter. Our vision is not just some lofty ideal - we are working hard to deliver on it and help to achieve a waste-free future.

While we are committed to pursuing recycling options where feasible, we know that 100% recyclability is not enough to successfully tackle the plastics waste problem. We need to push the boundaries and do more. We are determined to look at every option to solve this complex challenge and embrace multiple solutions that can have an impact now. For example, we believe in the value of recyclable and compostable paper-based materials and biodegradable polymers, in places where recycling infrastructure does not exist.

As we deploy new solutions, we will never compromise the health of our consumers. The safety and quality of our foods and beverages are non-negotiable.

Our actions

Addressing the complex problem of plastic pollution requires taking an inclusive and joined-up approach. To realize this objective, specific actions are required. In line with this approach, we are taking tangible steps in:

1. Pioneering alternative materials

We have created the Nestlé Institute for Packaging Sciences to develop sustainable packaging materials and collaborate with industry partners to scale-up research and innovation. Through the Institute, we are currently exploring a range of innovations, including new paper-based materials as well as biodegradable/compostable polymers that are also recyclable.

We have rolled out paper-based packaging globally for Nesquik in the first quarter of 2019, and will be for the Yes! snackbar in the second half of 2019. Smarties will also start rolling out plastic free, paper-based packaging in 2019 and Milo will introduce paper-based pouches in 2020.

As part of this commitment, starting in February 2019, we began eliminating all plastic straws from our products.

Nestlé Waters is working to increase the recycled PET content in its bottles to 35% globally by 2025. It will reach 50% in the United States by 2025, with specific focus on Poland Spring, and 50% in its European brands Acqua Panna, Buxton, Henniez and Levissimaby 2025.

2. Shaping a waste-free future

We’re partnering with Project STOP, a frontline initiative aimed at addressing the leakage of plastic into the ocean, through partnerships with cities and governments in Southeast Asia. Our first Project STOP pilot is in Indonesia.

We are founding signatory of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, an initiative led jointly by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UN Environment, to promote and encourage progress in tackling the plastic waste problem.

We are determined to reduce our use of single-use plastics. We are introducing reusable packaging, new delivery systems and innovative business models.

Dispensers for Nescafé and Milo are already available in many countries around the world.

In early 2020, we will launch new water dispensers using state-of-the-art technology, allowing consumers to fill their own reusable bottles.

We’re partnering with Veolia to work on waste collection, sorting and recycling of plastic material, with a particular emphasis on flexible plastic packaging. The partnership will also explore technologies to establish viable models of recycling in different countries. This includes chemical recycling technologies, which will help Nestlé to increase the recycled content of its bottled water packaging to 35% and its overall product packaging to 15% by 2025.

Together with other companies, we’ve just launched the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance to develop the recycling infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa – and creating jobs in the process.

3. Driving new behavior

Our employees worldwide are dedicating their volunteering days to the removal of litter and will be participating in clean-up activities on World Oceans Day (June 8th). For more information on how you can get involved, check out the World Oceans Day website.